Tests and diagnosis

In addition to taking a thorough medical history and performing a physical exam, your doctor may recommend certain diagnostic tests, including:

Urinalysis. Your doctor uses urine tests to look for red blood cells, high levels of protein, and excreted minerals in the urine that may indicate kidney or urinary tract problems. A sample of your urine is also likely to be checked for bacteria that cause infection.

Blood tests. Certain blood tests measure the level of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen — waste products that build up in your bloodstream when your kidneys are damaged and not filtering properly. Your doctor may also check a sample of your blood for elevated levels of liver enzymes, and for conditions such as diabetes.

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